Large-Scale Steel Rabbit Sculptures

Project Overview

These striking steel rabbit sculptures represent one of our most memorable large-scale public art projects. Measuring approximately 3 metres in length, these custom-fabricated metal artworks required our specialized industrial powder coating capabilities to achieve a flawless, vibrant red finish.

The playful design features two mirror-image rabbits in mid-leap, cut from heavy-gauge steel plate. The size and weight of these sculptures demanded our industrial-grade overhead rigging system and one of Melbourne's largest powder coating ovens to accommodate the substantial dimensions.

The Powder Coating Challenge

Large-scale art installations like these rabbit sculptures present unique coating challenges that separate professional powder coating facilities from standard operations. At Ada Powder Coatings, our 9.6m x 2.5m x 2.5m oven capacity allowed us to coat these sculptures as complete assemblies, eliminating visible seams and ensuring uniform color across the entire surface.

The vibrant red powder coating finish needed to withstand Melbourne's variable weather conditions while maintaining its visual impact for years. We selected a high-durability exterior-grade powder coating specifically formulated for outdoor public art applications.

Surface Preparation for Large Steel Sculptures

Before applying the signature red powder coating, extensive surface preparation was critical. Our in-house abrasive blasting facility thoroughly cleaned the fabricated steel, removing mill scale, welding residue, and any surface contaminants that could compromise adhesion.

This comprehensive preparation created the ideal surface profile for maximum powder coating bond strength—essential for sculptures that will face Melbourne's sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Technical Specifications

Why Powder Coating for Public Art?

Artists, architects, and councils increasingly choose powder coating for public art installations because it delivers unmatched durability compared to traditional paint. For outdoor sculptures exposed to Melbourne's climate, professional powder coating offers:

• Superior weather resistance - Withstands UV exposure, rain, and temperature extremes without fading or chalking
• Impact and scratch resistance - Maintains appearance despite public interaction and environmental wear
• Consistent, uniform color - Achieves vibrant finishes impossible with liquid paints
• Environmental sustainability - Zero VOCs and 99% material utilization during application
• Long-term cost efficiency - 15-20 year lifespan reduces maintenance and refinishing costs
• Graffiti resistance - Smooth, hard surface can be cleaned without damaging the finish

Large-Scale Powder Coating Capabilities

Not every powder coating facility can handle projects of this magnitude. Ada Powder Coatings has invested in industrial-scale equipment specifically to serve Melbourne's architectural, sculptural, and industrial finishing needs.

Our architectural metal finishing services extend to public art, building facades, structural steel components, and custom fabrications that exceed standard coating dimensions. The combination of our massive oven capacity, overhead crane system, and specialized rigging allows us to coat items that other Melbourne facilities must refuse or piece together.

The Ada Powder Coatings Difference

Since 1989, we've been Melbourne's go-to facility for projects that challenge conventional powder coating limitations. What made this rabbit sculpture project successful:

• Complete in-house process control - From blasting through final coating, everything happens at our Thomastown facility
• Industrial rigging expertise - Safe handling of heavy, awkwardly-shaped sculptures
• Color matching precision - Custom color formulation to match the artist's vision exactly
• Quality assurance - Thickness testing and visual inspection before delivery
• Protective packaging - Careful wrapping to prevent damage during transport to installation site